Listening: A Crucial Job Search Skill
By Scott Brown |
It’s important that job seekers possess basic interpersonal skills, but some are
more valuable than others. The United States Department of Labor Secretary’s
Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) has identified five
proficiencies and three foundation skills that are crucial for job seekers.
Listening skills were among those on the foundation list. Having good listening
skills are essential for landing the job you want.
How you can
improve
We should understand first that there is a difference
between hearing and listening. Hearing is a physical ability, but listening is a
skill that must be learned. To help improve your listening skills right away,
try out some of these tactics:
*When someone is speaking to you, lean in
towards them slightly. This will not only allow you to hear better, but it also
shows them that you’re interested in what they have to say.
*Sit or stand as
still as possible as this will help you focus solely on the person in front of
you.
*Use non-verbal body language to communicate that you’re paying
attention. For example, maintain comfortable eye contact and nod when
appropriate.
*After someone has communicated important information,
paraphrase or summarize what they have said in your own words. This helps you
solidify your own understanding and demonstrates your understanding to them.
Plus it gives them an opportunity to correct you if you misunderstood anything
important.
Why you need the skill
I guarantee
that if you incorporate these things into your daily routine, you will start to
notice a difference in the way you listen to people. There are many ways in
which this will help in both your personal and professional
lives:
*You’ll be able to understand better what is expected of you and
how to deliver it.
*It will help build better rapport with bosses and
colleagues
*You’ll become a better problem solver and people will look at you
as more of a “people person.”
There’s no reason why you can’t improve
your listening skills today to create a better you tomorrow!
About the Author
Scott Brown is the
author of the Job Search Handbook http://www.JobSearchHandbook.com. As editor of the
HireSites.com weekly newsletter on job searching, Scott has written many
articles on the subject. He wrote the Job Search Handbook to provide job seekers
with a complete yet easy to use guide to finding a job
effectively.
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